Special Education Bill Supporters Drum Up More Support

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Parents and rights advocates are planning a press conference to promote a measure aimed at helping special education students.

When a special education student is struggling, current law generally requires the parent to prove the school’s education program for the student is inadequate. The bill would shift that burden, so schools would have to defend their learning plans.

Supporters say this would encourage schools to cooperate with parents so they could avoid legal fights.

Parallel versions of the bill are still lingering in House and Senate committees. With the session ending April 7, parents are urging legislators not to let them die without being voted on.

The Maryland Coalition for Special Education and Burden of Proof is planning the conference for 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the Lowe House Office Building.